A Study of Academic Achievements of F-1 Classed Aliens and Other Nonimmigrant Temporary Students at Kapiolani Community College.

Uehara, Soichi

This research investigated the difference in academic performance between foreign students who enter the country with a student visa and are thereby required to take the U.S. Consulate English test, and those who originally enter with some other type of visa and subsequently change to a student visa (no test required). The study included data on the 48 foreign students who have attended or are attending Kapiolani Community College from September 1964 to the present. The students were required by the college to show English proficiency by an interview with the registrar, by taking the School and College Aptitude Test (SCAT), or by submitting a Report of Proficiency in English. The percentage of academic failures (withdrawals or dismissals from college) for the two groups of students was 16.7% and 35.0% respectively. Findings included: the degree of English proficiency was closely related to academic success; the majority of temporary visitors had their visa status changed to that of student; and the three measures of English proficiency used by the college yielded similar results. It was recommended that, if the college maintains an open door for foreign students, it must provide a sophisticated remedial English program; if a relatively closed door is to be maintained, then a better measuring device is needed to select those who will attend. In either case, some action is necessary to assure these students of academic success. (MB)